Publication Citation: Graphene: A New Horizon for Modern Technology

NIST Authors in Bold

Author(s):

Jan Obrzut;

Title:

Graphene: A New Horizon for Modern Technology

Published:

September 15, 2011

Abstract:

Graphene has the potential to improve a long list of daily electronics that are the foundation of the modern computing revolution. In step with research in renewable energy, graphene can and has been used in efficient, flexible solar cells. Crossing the gap between physics and biology, graphene is a perfect material for incorporation in bio-electronics, such as microbial sensors, or in-body diagnostic tools for medicine, as its organic composition makes graphene based electronics less likely to be rejected by the immune system. Likewise, in any application for transparent electrodes, such as touchscreens or flexible displays, graphene is a material of choice. Current research on graphene is focused on the further characterization of this peculiar material, and also on industrial methods for its production. Though a number of methods exist for the production of graphene in the laboratory, none of these is yet suitable for the economic development of the material, due to a lack of appropriate standards. Those standards which are still necessary include measurements of the number of graphene layers, electrical and structural impurities, electrical conductance, as well as optical transparency. Development of these standards is being contemplated within International Electrotechnical Commission Technical Committee 113 (IEC TC113), which addresses nanoelectrotechnologies. The U.S. Technical Advisory Group to IEC TC 113 is considering taking the lead in this work. While there are major hurdles to overcome before graphene becomes widespread, graphene is being investigated internationally as a result of its prodigious potential for modern society.